Thesis

Corporate social innovation and the social innovation ecosystem : comparative case studies of the interaction between government and firms in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2025
Thesis identifier
  • T17259
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 202168235
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Abstract
  • Rising social problems have increased demands for social innovation (SI) as an innovative solution. A key development in theory and practice is acknowledging that business constitutes a key source of SI, leading to a growing study of corporate social innovation (CSI). In Southeast Asian countries, the importance of CSI has been increasingly recognised. However, the understanding of CSI in this region is limited, particularly regarding the interaction between firms implementing CSI and the government. This thesis aims to explore how Southeast Asian governments interact with firms implementing CSI under different country contexts, focusing on the characteristics and mechanisms of the interactions. The thesis also seeks to scrutinise the understanding of CSI in practice. It employs a comparative case study approach, with Thailand as the primary case, compared with two neighbouring countries: Malaysia and Singapore. Through semi-structured interviews with participants from 29 CSI projects, eight government agencies and six organisations across the three countries, complemented by secondary data from relevant sources, the study reveals specific characteristics and dimensions of the interactions between the government and firms. Thailand and Malaysia, which have similar country contexts, display purposive and reciprocal-based interaction. The findings also highlight the prevalence of informal interaction through interpersonal relationships between the government and firms. Singapore, in contrast, demonstrates supportive and responsive-based interaction, and the formal interaction through official channels is notable. Further, the findings reveal key barriers to interactions and CSI, including problematic bureaucratic procedures, the failure of top-down approaches, intergovernmental coordination issues, government inaction, constraints on grant funding, firm operational issues, and awareness of social problems. The insights derived from this thesis have valuable implications for enhancing policies related to SI-oriented businesses and entrepreneurs and for advancing the understanding of CSI and relevant theories.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Gök, Abdullah
  • Lassalle, Paul
  • McMillan, Carolyn
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